Dear UJ community,
As an institution of higher education, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) prides itself on actively shaping public discourse and setting the national agenda through rigorous academic research and strategic public engagements. Over the years, our institutional centres across various faculties have played a pivotal role in generating research and innovation projects that have positioned UJ as a catalyst for change. This has ensured that our research transcends the lecture halls to impact real-world policymaking, economic growth and a socially inclusive society.
UJ Hosts South Africa Confucius Institute Joint Conference
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure and honour of delivering a welcoming address when UJ hosted the South Africa Confucius Institute Joint Conference. The conference brought together Confucius institutes and classrooms, including representatives of the Chinese International Education Foundation, the Embassy and Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China, university leaders, academics, and students. It served as an important platform for fostering deeper cooperation, dialogue, and shared learning between South Africa and China. It was only fitting that the conference be held at UJ, because our Confucius Institute continues to serve as an important platform for cooperation between our institutions.
We were particularly honoured to host Professor Yang Wei and the distinguished delegation from the Chinese International Education Foundation. His presence reflected the enduring strength of the China–South Africa educational relations. Through this conference, we reaffirmed our collective commitment to strengthening cooperation in language education, cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and people-to-people connectivity. UJ remains committed to deepening its partnership with Chinese institutions and contributing meaningfully to educational cooperation between our two countries. I congratulate all stakeholders on the successful hosting of this Joint Conference.
Meeting with the Minister Counsellor for Cultural Affairs from the Chinese Embassy
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of hosting Mr Zhao Haiyun, Minister Counsellor for Culture: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of South Africa. Our wide-ranging and fascinating discussion centred on people-to-people relations, culture and the role of literature. Our discussion focused on strengthening cooperation and people-to-people relations. Several possible areas for cooperation were identified, including forging closer links between UJ Press and major publishing houses in China, as well as publishing the works of UJ scholars in China and vice- versa. In coming months, we will be unveiling some exciting initiatives and opportunities for UJ academics and students emanating from the discussion.
UJ Student: The Official Student Affairs Magazine is now out!
Still on publishing matters, it is with immense pride that we share the inaugural Student Affairs magazine, UJ Student, has been published. This UJ Student Semester 1 Special issue covers the first semester of the academic year and starts with a special tribute to the learners lost in 1976. It focuses on student life and other areas of student support services, including managing academic work, residence support services, the SRC Inclusivity Fund, finances, and the sports, art, and culture activities the University offers, amongst others. You can also read stories by some of our students and student leaders. Its release is timely, as South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the June 16 Soweto Uprising. I encourage you to read and share this important publication. My sincere appreciation goes to the Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Student Affairs and UJ Sport, Prof Bongani Ngqulunga, the Student Affairs team, the Editorial Team, and all contributors whose collective efforts brought this remarkable edition to life. Read the magazine here.
Two UJ PhD students headed to elite China facility
Our students continue to make us proud through their academic and innovative achievements across various disciplines. I am delighted to share that two of our PhD students, Mr Preveshin Maduray and Mr Abdool Sattar Cassim, have been selected for a prestigious global training opportunity in China. They will later this year head to Beijing to attend a week-long summer school at the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world. They will start learning to scan samples of human tissue and silica fibres at scales and resolutions not possible otherwise. This technique can accelerate scientific research in unprecedented ways. Mr Maduray and Mr Cassim were among four students from Africa selected.
The BRICS-STARS Programme is supported by the Institute of High Energy Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). CAS is ranked the world’s foremost research institution by the Nature Index institution rankings. HEPS is a fourth-generation synchrotron that offers scientists advanced AI and big-data processing. It is also the first high-energy synchrotron radiation light source in China. It opens to global users in the second half of 2026. Congratulations on your selection, Mr Maduray and Mr Cassim, thanks for flying the UJ flag higher. Click here to read more about this.
Building Smarter Water Systems for Student Living
On a slightly different note, it is pleasing to see significant progress in our ongoing efforts to build more sustainable and resilient campuses. Our Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus Grey Water Plant in the Moshate and Magnolia ladies’ residences, is now nearing completion. The purpose of this project is to collect, treat, recycle, and reuse grey water generated from residential basins and washing facilities for toilet flushing. The system includes key processes such as water collection, pre-treatment, treatment, storage, and redistribution to residences.
Beyond improving operational efficiency, the project represents an important step towards reducing reliance on potable water and lowering long-term utility costs. It also contributes to more responsible water management by ensuring that wastewater is treated and reused rather than unnecessarily discarded. Importantly, the project also enhances resilience within student living spaces. In addition, the plant offers valuable learning opportunities for students by providing a practical example of sustainable infrastructure and water-reuse systems in operation within a university environment. My great appreciation to our Chief Operating Officer, Dr Mpoti Ralephata and his Facilities Management teams and project partners for driving this important initiative forward.
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
Still on infrastructure matters, our Information and Communication Systems (ICS) department serves a stable, secure and up-to-date ICT infrastructure for staff, students and stakeholders. This is critical because UJ is a public university that serves students, faculty, and staff across a large academic enterprise. To support a more connected, efficient operating model, the University chose Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. With Oracle, UJ is improving automation, strengthening controls, supporting integrations, increasing productivity in finance and reporting, reducing procurement and project costs, and giving employees better access to learning and self-service tools.
Autumn Graduations
This week marked the end of the Autumn Graduation season, in which approximately 15 000 new graduates participated in 68 graduation ceremonies. While we celebrated the achievements of thousands of graduates, we were also privileged to confer honorary doctorates on six extraordinary individuals whose lives and careers reflect the very best of leadership, service and excellence. They were Ms Monica Geingos (a lawyer, entrepreneur and globally recognised advocate for health equity), Mr Francois Pienaar (caption of the Springboks during the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup victory), Ms Tryphosa Ramano (Chartered Accountant and transformative financial leader), Prof Njabulo Ndebele (one of South Africa’s foremost literary and academic figures, and former Chancellor UJ), Mr John Samuel, one of South Africa’s most influential education policy architects, Prof Loyiso Nongxa (a distinguished mathematician and the first black South African Rhodes Scholar).
As the curtain falls on this graduation season, let us carry forward their example in our classrooms and beyond. I congratulate all the honorary doctorates for joining UJ’s exclusive club of distinguished individuals and all the graduates who received their academic qualifications. I also congratulate the UJ’s beloved mascot, Hoepie, who has joined the ranks of thousands of graduates who crossed the stage this graduation season. Thanks to the efforts of 26-year-old Sandile Mbatha, the man inside the costume, Hoepie – named after the African hoopoe bird – now shares the pride and joy that come with graduation.
Chilling with UJ’s mascot Hoepie!
Whenever Hoepie and I are in the same room, you know something is about to go down! While recording an upcoming episode of VC Chilling with Hoepie, Hoepie found himself in a bit of trouble when he attempted to sign off with his famous “Until next time, Orange Army!” Instead, it sounded more like, “Until next time, Njayam!” Needless to say, I was quick to give him a hard time about it, and the laughter that followed made for a memorable moment behind the scenes. At UJ, we believe that while we work hard, there’s always room for a little fun along the way. Make sure you do not miss the first episode of VC Chilling with Hoepie, you never know what moments might make it on air!
First Semester Examinations and Assessments
As our first semester nears conclusion, I encourage all students to remain focused on their examinations until the very end. Examinations can be challenging periods in the academic year, demanding discipline, perseverance and resilience. While the pressures of this period are real, I urge you to keep your goals in sight, always mindful of the reasons you embarked on your academic journey. Every examination completed is a step closer to achieving your aspirations and unlocking new opportunities. As you do this, remember to take care of your wellbeing, support others, and make use of the resources available to you. The University stands behind you, and I wish each of you every success as you complete your examinations.
I encourage you to make full use of the various academic support programmes offered by our university. Please do not hesitate to contact our Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development, otherwise known as PsyCaD, which assists students in various ways. This includes a walk-in service, individual counselling sessions, and a faster emergency response through our 24-hour Crisis Line (082 054 1137). We have well-trained, dedicated staff on hand to help you free of charge. For relevant contacts, including toll-free numbers, visit PsyCaD website.
National Youth Day
Next week, Tuesday, 16 June, marks National Youth Day in South Africa. As I highlighted in an opinion article in 2024, Youth Day is a poignant reminder of South Africa’s youth’s resilience and potential. The events of 16 June 1976 were more than just a tragic confrontation. It was a catalyst that energised the anti-apartheid movement. The youth exposed the inhumanity of the apartheid regime and demanded change. It is a day that calls on us to redouble our efforts to create an environment where young people can thrive.
Now, 50 years later, the events of that day remain firmly etched in our minds, calling upon us to reflect on the challenges South Africa’s youth face and the possibilities that lie before them. We, as educators and leaders, have to reimagine how we can contribute to addressing the pressing issues faced by young South Africans. Many of the aspirations of that era remain unfulfilled. High unemployment rates and deep-seated economic inequalities are stark reminders of the work that still needs to be done.
According to the latest data released by Statistics South Africa last month, the national unemployment rate among the youth in the first quarter of 2026 stood at 32,7%. At least 45.5% of young people aged 15 to 34 were unemployed. This is the highest unemployment rate at 60,9%, followed by the 25-34 age group at 40,6%. In this regard, education plays a crucial role, because those with tertiary qualifications are more likely to secure jobs.
UJ Law Clinic Marks 45 Years of Advancing Access to Justice
As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising, UJ also marks an important milestone. The UJ Law Clinic marks 45 years of advancing access to justice while shaping generations of socially conscious legal professionals. What began in February 1981 with just 18 pioneering students has grown into a cornerstone of UJ Law’s academic and community-engagement mission, serving thousands of indigent clients while providing rigorous, hands-on clinical legal education. The aim was to offer free legal services to those unable to afford representation, while immersing final-year LLB students in real-world legal practice.
Over the decades, the Law Clinic has evolved alongside South Africa’s changing legal and social landscape, expanding its footprint, strengthening its pedagogy, and deepening its community reach. As the Director of UJ Law Clinic, Mrs Natasha Naidoo, aptly put it, “Balancing clinical legal education with the growing demand for free legal services remains both the Clinic’s most important responsibility and its greatest challenge. Beyond litigation, the Law Clinic has also spearheaded impactful initiatives, including community outreach programmes and the development and supervision of the National Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies), further strengthening access to justice and legal literacy.
Félicitations Bafana Bafana
Last night, our national men’s football team, Bafana Bafana, stepped onto one of the world’s greatest stages for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against host nation Mexico. While the final scoreline did not go our way, the pride we feel as a nation remains undiminished. Our boys competed with heart and determination against formidable opposition, and representing South Africa on that global platform is a moment worth celebrating. On behalf of the entire UJ community, I extend our heartfelt support to the team. A defeat does not define a campaign, and we know that resilience, character, and belief are often forged in the most difficult moments.
As Bafana Bafana regroup and turn their focus to the remaining group stage matches, we stand united with the rest of South Africa in cheering them on every step of the way. I hope our UJ Senior Men and Women’s Football Teams are watching closely and drawing inspiration from Bafana Bafana’s fighting spirit ahead of the Varsity Football tournament, which kicks off in the next two months. The journey is far from over – forward , Bafana!
Kea leboha, ngiyabonga, baie dankie, thank you!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Times mentioned in this newsletter refer to the South African time-zone.
